I keep seeing pictures of marines in Iraq wearing what looks like tan aviator jumpsuits. Can anyone shed any light on what these are?

They look quite a bit like the ones on Dragon's Navy Seals set, which means I can pirate the legs and arms and make some modern Marines. Also, it's an easy way out of having to paint MARPAT!

COVERALLS

Question: In the past few years I have been seeing Marines slowly implementing coveralls (blue, green, etc) as the uniform of the day. Some chowhalls have even been allowing Marines to dine in coveralls. Before I tear out what little hair I have, could you tell me if there is some regulation, order or bulletin that directs the intended use of the garment?

Answer: Coveralls are considered organizational clothing. As explained by paragraph 7000, organizational clothing is prescribed by the commander, so you will have to look to your local regulations for wear. Organizational clothing is generally worn "on a temporary basis to accomplish assigned duties." If a Marine is not actively engaged in those duties, or is not in the work environment where those duties are performed (i.e., flight line, workshop, Motor T, etc), then that Marine should be in the appropriate uniform of the day (unless otherwise directed by the commanding officer).

So, is it possible for some units to wear these coveralls for combat/patrol operations?

The suits you are asking about are indeed flight suits, they were issued as a measure to protect the Marines in case of IED attacks and fire within the vehicle they are riding in. My unit was issued them in Fallujah in the spring of 2006. We were allowed to wear them as the uniform of the day and could wear them anywhere on the FOB, however they had to be returned at the end of your tour.

Thanks for the info, guys.

Well, so much for using those SEAL figures. They're all in combat poses.

Not exactly flight suits, but close. They are actually CVC (Combat Vehicle Crewman) Uniforms. They are similar to flight suits and are made of the same NOMEX fire resistant material. They are being issued and worn by some USMC units for vehicle crewman in all types of combat vehicles, such as HMMWVs and others for patrolling. They are not normally worn by grunts out patrolling on foot though.

The Army has started issuing NOMEX ACU pattern uniforms for the same reasons.